The Holstein Horizon was established in 2022 to recognise those in the industry who are still involved in breeding outstanding Holsteins but may not be, or are no longer, milking cows.
This year’s honorees were Nick and Jessica Sarbacker of Heritage Holsteins in Whitewater. Both grew up on their families’ farms, Nick at Fischerdale Holsteins and Jessica at Agnew Farms. Heritage Holsteins was founded twelve years ago and quickly became a household name in the dairy show world.
The WHA Horizon award was given to Nick and Jessica Sarbacker.
Their first purchase was KY-Blue Gw Debbie-ET EX-94, who became the matriarch of their herd and is still alive and well at 14 years old. Nick and Jessica have bred and/or owned 18 Excellent and 34 VG cows over the years, and have exhibited numerous All-Wisconsin and Reserve All-Wisconsin winners, as well as two Junior Champions at the Wisconsin Championship Show. They also enjoy assisting others to excel in the show ring, selling their best, and assisting friends to achieve lifelong goals.
Nick and Jessica excel at cattle marketing. Nick is an accomplished photographer and graphic designer, and together they founded Cattleclub.com, which allows breeders to sell embryos and live cattle online.
The couple has also served as mentors to local youth and has both led efforts to organise the District 6 Show. Jessica is the current President of the Rock County Holstein Breeders, and Nick volunteered to host the first Rock County Holstein online fundraiser on CattleClub.com, raising over $4,000 for the organisation. Nick has also served as a delegate for Wisconsin at the National Holstein Convention.
Nick and Jessica now live on Jessica’s family farm outside of Whitewater, where they have 35 cattle. Jessica is the Vice President of the Crop Insurance Department at Lake Ridge Bank. Nick helps Jessica’s father run Agnew Farms, where they own and manage 1000 acres of cash crops. Their two daughters, Madison and Melanie, are just getting started with Registered Holsteins, and the future looks bright for this young family.
Nick and Jessica were recently recognised and awarded the Holstein Horizon award at the 2023 Wisconsin Holstein Convention in Wisconsin Rapids.
